Leeds United director of football Victor Orta is stepping up attempts to sign Wolves forward Adama Traore, according to TEAMtalk.

The Lowdown: Long-term target

Hailed as a ‘game-changer’ by former Whites striker Noel Whelan, the 26-year-old has been on the radar at Elland Road since 2020. The Spaniard spent last season on loan at Barcelona, who had the option to make the move permanent this summer.

The La Liga giants won’t be exercising that clause, though, and it looks as if Orta is now looking to take advantage after already contacting the player’s representatives.

The Latest: Leeds update

TEAMtalk provided an update regarding the Whites and Traore on Thursday morning.

They claimed that Orta is ready to try and bring the forward to Yorkshire, with a deal potentially costing a maximum of £20m.

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The Verdict: Raphinha replacement?

Traore can play anywhere across the front three but is primarily a right winger, a position that Raphinha currently has nailed down at Elland Road. However, the Brazilian has been heavily linked with a move away from Yorkshire, with Tottenham joining the race in recent days.

Should Raphinha seal a move away from the club over the coming weeks, Orta could then look to bring in the Wolves maestro as a replacement.

The Spain international has contributed to just 29 goals in 154 Old Gold appearances compared to Raphinha’s 29 in 67 games for Leeds, but with Orta a fan of Traore for a number of years now, this one could finally have legs.

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